The Mississippi House of Representatives has taken a strategic legislative maneuver by passing two Senate bills amended to include mobile sports betting provisions. The move aims to push the Senate to consider legalizing online wagering in the state, setting up a negotiation as the legislative session’s deadline approaches.
Despite being one of the first states to launch retail sports betting in 2018, online wagering has faced opposition in the Senate, particularly from casino operators concerned about potential revenue loss. The House’s proposal includes measures to address industry concerns, such as allowing casinos up to two online platforms and creating a fund to offset losses for smaller establishments.
Proponents argue that legalizing online sports betting could generate significant state revenue and combat illegal offshore betting. Data shows a growing demand for legal online options, with a sharp increase in Mississippi residents attempting to access sportsbooks in other states.
The Senate must now decide whether to accept the House amendments or send the legislation to a conference committee for further negotiation. With the legislative session set to end on March 21, time is running short for a resolution. If the Senate rejects the mobile betting provisions, both tidelands reform and sports betting legislation may not be enacted this year.
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